Two West Windsor women, Mary Lou Spang and Judy Klitgaard, are exhibiting at the Crafters’ Marketplace, a benefit for YWCA Princeton, on Saturday and Sunday, November 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at John Witherspoon Middle School, Princeton. ##M:[more]##
The annual juried craft show showcases more than 140 professional artisans exhibiting original handmade jewelry, pottery, clothing, and other gift items. Cafe lunch and homemade baked goods are available. Admission is $6.
Mary Lou Spang first attended the Princeton YWCA Crafters’ Marketplace in 2005 — as a shopper. In 2006 she was accepted as an exhibitor. “Selling at the show was a wonderful experience and I am excited about returning for a second year,” says Spang.
Spang, who always had a love for jewelry, is the first jewelry designer in her family. “Jewelry designing became a hobby of mine, on and off starting about five years ago,” says Spang. “At times, family members would ask me to design pieces for them, or on occasion I would donate a piece to charity auctions. My pieces were always well-received at these auctions with bids in the hundreds of dollars.” Her husband, Bill, encouraged her to start her own jewelry design company and Spangles was born in 2005.
The couple has lived in West Windsor since 1986. Bill, a partner with the CPA firm of Mitchell & Titus, splits his time between the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., offices.
Born in Philadelphia, she graduated from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism. She worked more than 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry, first as a medical writer for Wyeth, and later in various client services positions working for medical advertising agencies and medical communications companies. Since 1999 she has worked as a consultant specializing in the development of medical education programs.
“I am always on the lookout for interesting gemstone beads and I travel quite extensively in that quest,” she says. In February she attended the Annual Tucson, Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase. The two-week show claims to be the world’s largest gem show.
Spang also attend smaller regional venues including the Jewelry Arts Expo in Wilmington, Delaware, in April, and Philadelphia Beadfest that was held in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in August. “Sometimes I see a bead and I know immediately how I will use it in a design. Other times I will buy a quantity of beads having no idea what they will someday become. I just tuck them away and then maybe weeks or months later an idea hits me.”
Spang also exhibits and sells designs in private home shows. “Home parties allow me a way to interact informally with clients and potential clients in a relaxed environment,” she says. She also does corporate shows throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. She is planning to attend the second annual Head-To-Toe Women’s Expo on April 12, at Robbinsville High School.
“I am continually inspired by the striking combinations of texture, color, and patterns found in European, Asian, and African designs,” she says. “My pieces have a contemporary look, with the beauty and simplicity of form that reflects facets of both past and present cultures. I like to work with sterling silver, semi-precious gemstone beads, pearls, and Austrian crystals. In addition to stringing and hand-knotting beads, I love to weave with beads and to manipulate wire into my designs.”
To support breast cancer patients and survivors Spang designed a limited edition breast cancer awareness bracelet. The bracelet, made of the highest quality pink Austrian crystal beads, pink faux pearls, and silver cube ribbon beads, is available in two sizes (seven or eight inches). The cost is $75. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each bracelet will be donated to the Breast Cancer Resource Center of the YWCA Princeton, New Jersey. Visit www.spanglesdesigns.com for more information.
Judy Klitgaard presents handmade table linens from Provence. “They are beautifully made — fabrics your grandmother would have had,” she says. “The corners are mitered and most are reversible.”
She discovered the fabrics on a visit to France with her college roommate, Kristen Lang, and their families. “Just when we thought we had seen everything, we stumbled across a display of handmade tablecloths,” she says. “We were able to locate the creators who were delighted to have representatives in the United States,” says Klitgaard, who has lived in West Windsor for 10 years. “So far, this is a passion, a hobby, and not a full-time business.” — Lynn Miller
Crafters’ Marketplace, YWCA Princeton, John Witherspoon Middle School, Princeton, 609-497-2100. www.ywcaprinceton.org. No strollers. Handicapped-accessible. $6. Saturday and Sunday, November 17 and 18, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
